Monday, August 13, 2012

Small Pieces Spectacular Quilts giveaway

I was thrilled to be invited to be part of the blog tour for this second book written by authors Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms. I own their first book and loved that so I knew this one was a must have.
The book starts off with some wonderful examples of antique quilts and there are lots of tips and tricks throughout the rest of the pages that make sewing small pieces a snap.
All the quilts are ones that I'd love to make but there are two in the book that call my name.
As it happens, they're both string pieced but with different methods.
The cheddar background in "Go With The Flow" is dynamic don't you think?
I also love the cover quilt, " Pumpkin Peel" which is a clever variation on two patterns I'm familiar with, Orange Peel and Double Wedding Ring.
I thought it would be fun to try and do a variation of the Pumpkin Peel pattern. I started by thinking that a doll quilt size would be a great place to start. The block for one quarter of the quilt is close to forty inches which is bigger than I wanted to go.

I decided to try shrinking the elliptical pieces to see if they looked workable and settled on a 60% reduction. That looked great but it also shrunk the seam allowance.
I made some new templates out of plastic, excluded the seam allowances then used a quarter inch brass wheel to redraw them.
I like to use a tearaway vilene for paper foundation piecing which I prefer over paper. I can see through it and it does come away easily with small stitches.
You may not have noticed but I roughly drew some guidelines following the angle of the arc so that my strip piecing wouldn't go wonky. I didn't actually use the lines for stitching, just for angling my seam allowance on the strips if I needed to.

Here's a tip if you do use paper. The ipad is a great little tool to have next to the sewing machine as it acts like a mini light table so you can check the pieces are lined up correctly.
I'm loving the rhythm of paper piecing and it's looking pretty good to me.
I'm thinking by now that if I do just the small arcs instead of the double arcs as in the pattern, that would keep the quilt small.  I'll cut the background about 22" -24" which would be the size of the doll quilt I'd want. As you might know, red is my favourite colour so why not use it for the background?
Then again, I love the cheddar too, what would you choose?
Before I make that decision, I'll carry on and mark my seam allowances on the front ready to applique the arcs to the background. Here I'm using a Clover chalk pencil.
What if I make a couple of the bigger arcs and see how they look attached the the smaller ones? I'm not finished playing just yet.

If you'd like to win a copy of this book, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I'll choose a winner on August 19th.

There's still a few stops on the blog tour for a chance to win a copy of the book plus I've included all the blogs that have participated so far. There are lots of  tutorials, reviews, tips and fun interpretations of featured projects to check out.

First stop, Sew Mama Sew
July 31 ~ Wonky World
August 10 ~ See How We Sew

Aug 20 ~ Amy's Creative Side
Aug 29 ~ Supergoof
Sept 3 ~ Quilts in the Barn
Sept 11 ~ Stitch This/Martingale
Sept 17 ~ Quilting with the Past

In addition, Mary Elizabeth has ten giveaways on her blog that is open until the September 25. Go here to enter.

150 comments:

tubakk said...

Ok, so let me be the first to comment, may be. I love small pieces, and this book would be perfect for me. Thanks for the chance to win. tubakk@online.no

Anonymous said...

I also love small pieces. This book would be perfect!

jmj said...

Looks like a great way of using up those little bits!!!! thanks for the giveaway. looks like a wonderful book

B Trojcak said...

I love the method used on both string quilts. I've been wanting to do a string quilt and other projects seem to get in the way. Looks like an amazing book!

barbara woods said...

i would love to make that quilt with that book thanks for the giveaway

Doreen B said...

This book looks like one I need in my library - thanks for the chance to win!

Ann-Mari said...

As you, I also love red, can imagine it handquilted and looking beautiful already. Have fun testing out the book:-D

Anonymous said...

I love the cheddar background, looks more peacefull.

cy from Canada

Kaaren said...

The cheddar background would be my first choice, Janet although I like the red as well. Big help I am, huh?

I'd love to win a copy of the books. Sounds like a must have for my library. Thanks for the opportunity.

Miriam said...

Good morning Janet!!

I love the look of that cover quilt too. Great idea to shrink the pattern. Thank you for the tip with the iPad....I will be using that! :)

I can't choose between the red and the cheddar. Maybe 2 little quilts??!!!

Thank you for the chance to win!

Jan Hutchison said...

I like the cheddar too. Looks like a great book.

libbyquilter said...

i'd love to win this book~!
as hard as i try i can't seem to use up all of my scraps, especially the smallest ones. this book looks like it's chocked full of inspiration in that regard.

i think that if you like red you should use red.
i happen to really love cheddar so i might go that way if i were making it . . . btw: great idea for a doll quilt~!

:-)
libbyQ

carla said...

Hi!!! This looks like a great book to have!!! THanks

Abby and Stephanie said...

Your arcs are amazing. I'm sure you'll choose the perfect background...the red really caught my eye. The cheddar background on the quilt from the book is fantastic. Looks like a book anyone would love to add to their library. Thank you for a terrific giveaway.

Pinkadot Quilts said...

This looks like a great book!

Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

I am loving the arcs on the red.

Judy Dietrich said...

I already had to buy this book the second I found one. Just love it--almost as good as the first book!! I like the red background, but the cheddar steals the show. What a fun idea to shrink the blocks for a smaller quilt--will come back to check if you did anything with the second arc. Have a great week.

Terry said...

That looks like a great book! I'm always looking for new ways to use up small bits of fabric! Thanks for the chance! :0)

Bri said...

What a neat book! Bwquilts at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

WOW this is such an interesting and generous giveaway, I just can't miss trying my luck ! ;>)

Your blocks are terrific... I'd definitely go for the yellow background (I'm a Cheddar girl)/

THANKS, Janet!
XOXOXO

Nifty Quilts said...

I've seen this book on the other blogs, but you have convinced me that I want this book in my library. I'm always up for new techniques for piecing small bits. Thanks!

Julia said...

Cheddar for me too...it's going to look great Janet.
I've done a DWR quilt. but this small pieces string quilt looks like fun .
Would love a copy of that book..
Julia ♥

SueB said...

I love it with the cheddar. I would love to win this book. I really like the arc quilt.

Monique said...

I love piecing quilts with small pieces. Which is good because I have a lot of small fabric scraps. Please include me in your giveaway. Thanks!
P.S. I love the cheddar background best.

Salley said...

I am in love with Cheddar myself but they both look dynamic.
Anyway I would love the book because I love all old traditional patterns and designs and you make them look so gorgeous!

Mary said...

I would love to win this book. It looks fabulous. Thanks for the chance!
Mary

Quilting by the Lake said...

You wouldn't believe the tiny pieces I keep for little quilts! Thanks for the great iPad idea! I had not thought of that before. Would love to win the book.

Lori said...

I like the red or cheddar Janet!! I love seeing your process.

regan said...

Oh, I love both of those quilts you've shown! Great use of scraps! And both cheddar and red look awesome with that Pumpkin Peel.....can't decide! Is vilene like tissue paper, like the stuff to wrap gifts in?

Darlene said...

I'm always drawn red first. :-)

Your arches are fabulous, Janet.

pinsandneedles said...

I like the cheddar background! The book looks like a great resource. Some pretty projects. Thanks!

Jan said...

I love the iPad tip! So clever! And your arcs are gorgeous. I can't wait to see where you take this next.
Don't include me in the draw...I was stop #2. I think you forgot me! :-)

Jan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mike Pearson said...

that's an expensive light source... lol... I've been looking for a good light source. I have not done paper piecing, but it's on my list... if I had the right tools, I'd go for it :) Thanks for sharing! The book looks awesome!

Betsy said...

It looks wonderful both in red and cheddar. I would so love to win this book. Thank you for the chance.

Kathryn said...

Maybe my sewing room would be cleaner if I used this book to use up my scraps. thanks for the giveaway.

Karen said...

This looks like a fabulous book - love your blocks too!!

Penny from S.C. said...

Looks like a book I would really enjoy. Thanks - I love all your work - you are such a talented lady!

Deb G. in VA said...

I love the pumpkin peel! I'm partial to red, so that would be my choice. Thanks for a chance to win a wonderful book!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Love what you are doing - the size too! What a great book!

Stephanie said...

The arcs look great. Shuttermom77 at gmail dot com

Vireya said...

Looking forward to seeing your completed doll quilt - it looks great!

Thanks for the chance to win an amazing-looking book.

Cardygirl said...

What an informative post...love the patterns and both backgrounds.

Dorothy said...

I love the cheddar and it would look wonderful in a doll size quilt too. Both of the quilts you picked are my kind of quilts,too

Nyla said...

I'm loving your small version with the single arcs and like both backgrounds but would probably choose the red myself. I know it will be great either way! Would love a copy of the book - thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!

Ruth said...

I love the cheddar with the scrappy arcs. Looks like a very interesting book.

Erin in MI said...

I'd love to win this book! It looks like a great one!

Dolores said...

If I had to choose, I'd use the red over the cheddar. I think the arcs stand out better. The book really looks interesting.

Dolores said...

If I had to choose, I'd use the red over the cheddar. I think the arcs stand out better. The book really looks interesting.

Julee said...

looks like a great book!!! Thanks for taking part in the blog hop.

Anonymous said...

HI LOOKS SO NEAT>BEEN KEEPING MY EYE ON IT>LOVE TO WIN IT!
THANKS FOR SHARING!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Diane said...

I would choose the cheddar, but then again I love anything yellow! I would love to win the book also.

Anonymous said...

Love it, it is a book I need, grin

Oops-Lah said...

I can't decided which colour I like better for the background. The red makes it more traditional and the cheddar more modern (at least in my opinion). Looks like another book for my list!

Oops-Lah said...

I can't decided which colour I like better for the background. The red makes it more traditional and the cheddar more modern (at least in my opinion). Looks like another book for my list!

hueisei said...

Great book! I'd love the tiny pieces quilt.

Carole~Quilter on the hill said...

Go the cheddar!!! I just love this colour and it looks great in the "Go With the Flow" quilt.Thanks for this great opportunity to win the book. Cheers :)

Mimi said...

I would love to have this book. Just maybe then I would get around to using up some of my stash. thank you.

tubilinha tiacarminha said...

Gosto do vermelho.Sou brasileira e trabalho com sucatas,gostaria muito de ser sorteada,este livro seria muito útil para mim.Obrigada.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

Sharon said...

I have the book so don't count me in. I do love this block you tackled, it's the #1 pattern in this book that I'd like to make. I did make one block of the Molly's star with 1 1/4" finished 1/2 sq tri's. It's super cute. Great book, good luck to everyone!

Mary said...

This book looks wonderful. I have plenty of scraps of all sizes to use. I would love to try the one with the arcs that you have started. Thanks for a chance to win.

Mitt lille rosa syrom said...

Really cute! I'd go for the red background.
Thanks for the iPad tip!
Best wishes,
Berit in Norway

LizA. said...

Ooh, what fun. I love these. I think I could really get into making these.

Constance said...

These are my kind of quilts. I love the patterns in this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book. Happy quilting all!! Constanceoc@yahoo.com

Rosa said...

I would love to win this book - I have so many small scraps that would be perfect for this quilt!
Thanks for the opportunity to
win:-)

audrey said...

I'm still pretty intimidated by small piecing, but I'm trying to branch out! This book looks like a fun one!

jan said...

What beautiful quilts. Thanks for a chance to win this fun book.

Chari said...

Me encanta como ha quedado esa colcha y la tecnica utilizada es genial.
Ese libro se ve muy interesante.
Haber si tengo suerte con él.
Un abrazo

Trines hobby said...

Takk for tipset med IPad, det var smart! Det er spennende med rød bakgrunn:)

bean bags australia said...

I love the small arcs rather than the double arc fabric. It looks good more than the other one.

Homemaker Honey said...

This would be a lovely book for me. I have so many tiny scraps just waiting to be made into something beautiful!

Deborah
homemakerhoney @gmail .com

Rachaeldaisy said...

After seeing those quilts you've highlighted I would love to have a look through this book. It sounds as though its full of clever tricks and beautiful quilts! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway, I'll keep my fingers crossed. :)

Jeannie Gan said...

It looks like an inspirational book to have. Thanks for the giveaway.
Red is my favourite colour too. The arcs stand out more with the red background than the cheddar.
jchiagan at yahoo dot com

Susan said...

I've loved watching the process you have used as you've played with this pattern! Very clever! Cheddar please!

Shirley said...

They both look good Janet but for me it would be the red (or pink!!)
I have the first book and love itand I am going to buy the new one so please give someone else the chance to win it. Love how you have experimented with it to make it your own.

jana277 said...

I love small pieces, hello from Slovakia.

Kerry said...

Nice book to own. Cheers kerry

Quilt it and Dotty www.quilt-it.nl said...

I Already had a sneak peak in Supergoof's copy of the book, but still love to win this one!

Anonymous said...

Looking fantastic so far!

Ailsa (Cape Pincushion) said...

Looks like a wonderful book, I would love to win it!

Birgitt said...

Where is the quilterin who doesn't have a lot of small pieces? I would love to win the book, too.
Thanks
Birgitt
Ritterin@web.de

Kerstin said...

this looks like a great book.
This Book could help to use the smallest pieces of scraps

Deb said...

Looks like a very usable book. I'd love to be included.

Janet said...

Boy, talk about taking the "bull by the horns". You really get after a new project. Fantastic. Can't wait to see the finished quilt.
Would love to win a copy.
Janet

Sujata Shah said...

Janet,
Your tutorials are always so fun to follow. This looks like a really nice way to make quilts with tiny pieces.
I love that quilt with cheddar background.
Got to add to my collection!

sarah said...

Awesome little quilt. I love minis!

Sarah said...

The pumpkin peel is my favorite quilt as well from what I have seen of the book. I love your version and think it looks great on the red! Looking forward to seeing how your mini turns out.

HummingBirdQuilter said...

This is just what I've been looking for. I am amazed by miniature quilts and this book seems to be a great way to get started. Thanks for the opportunity.

Annemart Berendse said...

Yeah!!! Wanna win, wanna win! I love the creativity with small pieces!

Gill said...

This looks such a great bok! I love the 'pumpkin peel' pattern!

Patti said...

Great idea, to reduce the size of the block to meet your needs. I like how the block is turning out. This is an interesting book, and I would love a chance to win it. Thanks.

María Elena said...

I love the small pieces and what you can do with them, also I would love a chance to win it.
Thanks.

Carol Sc said...

I've been saving my small pieces --- this book looks like it would be perfect for using them. Thank you for the "clue" using the see through paper --- I've done some paper piecing, but this would make it easier.
quiltschon@att.net

Linda in NC said...

Tough decision between the red and the cheddar, but I'm leaning ever so slightly towards the cheddar. You've given me some great ideas by documenting your "play" with that wonderful block.

Thanks for a chance at winning a great book!

Jill said...

It looks like you are having a lot of fun with this book. I would love a chance to win a copy. Thanks.

Donna~~ said...

Love the IPad tip! (I've been trying to convince my son that I need an IPad--one more argument in my favor!) ;) Looks like an enjoyable book!

Terry said...

I've only made one quilt so far (this summer and I'm getting ready to actually quilt it and then bind it), so seeing this process is amazing! Whomever would think a miniature quilt would be easier would be quite mistaken! These are amazing!

Mayleen said...

Red, definitely the red background!
Sorry if you've read this before. I don't know where my previous comment went but am sending another one.
I had just talked myself out of starting this quilt but now having seen the red version, I'm going to have to make it!

Diann said...

Either color background would look good on your doll quilt, but I'm partial to red so I have to say go with red.

witje said...

ik zou dolgraag een exemplaar winnen. Prachitge quilts

Willeke said...

My choice would be red!
The book is great, I would love to win it.

Kate said...

What a choice! I like them both- but the red calls to me. And this book looks great- thanks for the giveaway!

Pam said...

Would love to have a copy of this book. I'm leaning toward the red background, but both are nice.

VickiT said...

This looks like a great book to have since I'm starting to have a lot of small pieces now that I've started quilting more.

To answer your question, I really love the way the arches look on the red much more than the cheddar. Very pretty.

Pauline G said...

I love the look of these patterns - but I would choose a pale blue background for mine

RSHudson said...

Those are amazing patterns; thanks for chance to win! (EMAIL: marshudson at comcast dot net)

Nancy said...

I would so love to win a copy of this new book.
Thanks for the chance.

Tamie said...

Wow your project is so pretty. I'd love to add this book to my library.

Nanette Merrill said...

Wow. Fabulous. what a great book. I need to get back to my pickle jar. This makes me want to do another project.

Marcia W. said...

I also love the Pumpkin Peel quilt. Since you asked, my choice is the red background for your test drive mini. I like to sew with bitty bits so please enter me me into the drawing for the book. Haven't ever made a spectacular quilt, so perhaps using this book will remedy that situation. LOL

rebecca said...

Great book review. Go with the cheddar!!

Teresa F. said...

Awesome book, great review. I'd love to have that book.Thanks for the chance.

Molly said...

So many comments! I'm not a huge fan of red, but I think it stands out so much better with your arcs. Thanks for the tip about using the lighter weight paper. Beautiful work as always.

Barb said...

great post and your arcs look great, I love all the shirtings.
I like both the cherry and the cheddar, hard to choose. I guess I have to pick cherry because it is so zippy -
I can't wait to see this book -

Janet said...

What fun - you sure know how to play!! Your arcs look wonderful with great fabrics. Why am I not surprised that you shrunk the pattern :0) You must like a challenge. I vote for the red.

Kristen said...

This looks like a really fun book! I do like this and some of the nine patch quilts. Hee hee must be that postage stamp I may be working on. :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful arcs! I like the red better than the cheddar (which is tough for me to say coming from Wisconsin LOL!)

Lori said...

Oh I never win anything but I had to try. It's a lovely book.

Thimbleanna said...

Boy, that's a tough decision -- I'm thinking I might like the red background a little better?

Wait.

Me! Me! Please pick me!!! I love their first book!!!

Sharon said...

That book looks neat, I love detailed piecing. Your pumpkin peel block is awesome!

Gayle said...

I often shrink quilt blocks too, cuz the smaller ones are so much fun. I can't wait to see this one you're making all finished!

ritainalaska said...

your tute is just great, easy to follow, great pix! the book has some great ideas, and you've shown us one can folllow them and make them your own. thanx for the chance to win a copy.

Meredith said...

I have both books. Just wanted to stop by say Hi and your work looks great!

Terry said...

using tearawayvieline sounds like a great solution to one of my dislikes with foundation piecing. Thanks for the tutorial and a chance to win the book.

Sewjournal said...

I'd really like a copy of this book. the quilts look lovely and I especially like the one you've chosen to make. I'm looking forward to seeing which background you decide on.

andri. said...

The book looks good! Thanks for the chance~
andri_chama(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mamifleur said...

Great book and I would to like to win !
thanks mamifleur

karla said...

I love small pieces and hope to win this book !!!!

Anonymous said...

¡¡Me encantan los dos!! No escribo en inglés, pero te leo perfectamente.Un beso y gracias por compartir.
Helena
lysimaco@yahoo.es

Elaine said...

I'm inspired, despite my phobia related to paper piecing. It is SO hard to get my head around that; maybe it's all the gray hair? Thanks to you for sharing!

Pauline said...

Teriffic! Now I know why I've saved all those little strips! This one is way up on my bucket list. Thanks for the opportunity to win it. I L♥VE it and am itching to see the rest of the book.

marianne said...

I would go for the cheddar colour,so gorgeous!!!!!
Keep my fingers cross for the book :-)))

Dixie Howard said...

Love your tutorial about shrinking the size of the blocks. I'm really digging the red background. This book looks great!

LuAnn said...

These two are just amazing, and I was thrilled to see that they have come out with a second book. Their first book is one of my favorites.

Sil said...

I cant´t believe the things I´ve seen in your blog! Your work us amazing and your hand quilting is just unbelievable. I´m your follower, of course.

Anonymous said...

String pieced quilts are so much fun, I would like to learn your method.
Thanks for a chance to win your book.
Jennifer K.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

Looks like a fun book!

quilter501 said...

What a lovely book and blog! I visit often and never cease to be inspired. I love the kind of quilting you do!!!!!!!

Heike R. said...

Super Technik.
LG heike

Anonymous said...

Wow this books looks amazing... I would LOVE to own a book like this.

Thanks

Sandyn

Françoise said...

I love the way you play. Can I join?

Yvonne said...

Definitely the RED background Janet! I enjoy foundation piecing and am very attracted to the Pumpkin Peel pattern . Small Pieces,Spectacular Quilts would be a book worth owning

Robin D. said...

I love your pumpkin peel pieces on the bold red background! The book looks like it would be so helpful in finding ways to use up a scrappy fabric stash. Thanks for offering this great giveaway!

pforgerson said...

Wow, this looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to use all of those teeny tiny scraps i have piling up

Alice said...

I love the quilt on the cover of this book. It looks so Susan McCordish:) I look forward to seeing your new little quilt and thanks for hosting the giveaway.

Sally Langston Warren said...

I like red too, especially red bindings. I think a cheddar background with a red binding would be glorious for your quilt. Thanks so much for the tutorial for making this unique block. I'm glad you showed us how you made the template. I will have to give that a try. I would love to win a copy of this book. It looks like one I would use and enjoy. Sally jspwarren at aol dot com.

Stacey said...

Red or cheddar...what a decision....I haven't worked with cheddar before, so I think I would go for that....book looks great, I am sure there is loads of inspiration in there!

Anonymous said...

I love quilts with a million pieces and I especially love how you adapted her pattern. Gonna try that if I win. Thanks Jane

Country Cookin' Mama said...

I'd love to win! Thanks for the chance.
countrycookinmama at gmail dot com

Doris said...

I love the Pumpkin Peel pattern--what a great way to use up those little scraps!